Thursday, July 31, 2014

At some point in the next semester you will probably need to create a multimedia presentation for a class. But have you ever stopped to think about the most effective way to reach your audience? Why not take the time this summer to sharpen your skills with the recently released info-kit Enhancing Presentations for the Multimedia generation from Jisc Digital Media.

The info-kit provides guidance for developing presentations that support different learning styles and different delivery platforms (face-to-face, self directed, and mobile devices). The info-kit also provides guidance on using popular software such as Powerpoint, Prezi, and Slideshare. Beyond these commonly used tools the authors also highlight emerging tools such as Haiku Deck, Nearpod, Powtoon, Projeqt, and Knovio.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The most abundant form of life on the planet is the virus. Author Carl Zimmer discusses the past, present, and future of viruses in ten succinct essays. The book also includes a bibliography of works for those who wish to learn more about the viruses discussed.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

An interview with the author of the Atlas of Coasts & Oceans Don Hinrichsen.

The Atlas of Coasts & Oceans confronts the most challenging issues facing the planet's coasts and oceans such as urbanization of coastal areas, climate change, the disappearance of aquatic ecosystems, and the threat of oceans by military activity. Filled with engaging photographs, maps, and charts - the book presents research based oceanographic information suitable for a general audience.

The book would be of most use to students studying Environmental Science.

Monday, July 28, 2014

On Tuesday July 28, 1914,
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, an act which served as the beginning of the First
World War. In July 1914: Countdown to War historian Sean McMeekin traces the tragic events that led Europe into the destructive war. Using recently discovered information found in archives throughout Europe McKeekin argues that much of the blame for the war rests not on Germany but on a small group of political leaders and diplomats in France and Russia.

UNT Dallas students can read this account of the beginning of the Great War now by following this link.

"...in the midst of war and crisis nothing is as clear or as certain as it appears in hindsight."

Friday, July 25, 2014

The job search website Glassdoor recently introduced the Job Explorer. The Job Explorer provides
a color-coded visual display of the nation’s job market and allows users to
identify opportunities based upon the number of jobs listed, job title concentration, area unemployment
rates, and population. This information indicates which areas users are most
likely to find employment within their field. The Job Explorer also allows users
to search for two jobs in specific areas easing the job search process for
dual-income households.

Glassdoor is a community based career search web site that
utilizes member provided information to provide a transparent view of hiring
practices, work environment, and career progression prospects.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

The European Library has made millions of pages of historical newspapers available on line.

Users will be able to see images of the actual newspaper pages and also the full text that has been taken from the images and reset in more readable fonts. The project also allows full text searching and metadata which will allow users to easily differentiate between articles mentioning people, places, or things that share a common name (e.g. Paris the city from Paris the mythological character).

The project is expected to make available 18 million pages by January 2015.
Historic European Newspapers Made Available Online

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Interested in space travel? Or how about the environment? Well the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has just released the most detailed and accurate maps of the planet Mars.

According to the USGS the maps reveal that much of the surface of Mars is older than originally believed. The maps also confirmed theories that the planet had been geologically active and that major changes in climate made it possible for the planet to support surface and ground water in the past.

The maps will be used to plan future research about the Red Planet and to decide possible landing spots either for human or robotic exploration. Students of environmental science may also find it enlightening to study the geologic history of an alien planet while comparing it to our own environmental challenges.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The book tells the story of the childhood of Malcolm Little
who would later become the prominent civil rights leader Malcolm X. In the
story Malcolm learns to be resilient with the help of his family despite
the adversity and tragedies he experiences. The book was written by Ilyasah Shabazz, the
daughter of Malcolm X, and illustrated by AG Ford. The book would be appropriate
for younger readers between the ages of 6 and 10.

Shabazz, I., & Ford, A. G. (2013). Malcolm Little: The
boy who grew up to become Malcolm X. New York: Atheneum Books for Young
Readers.

UNT Dallas students may request this book today by clicking on the link!

University of North Texas at Dallas Library Blog

Promoting information literacy and conveying information about the library, services, information resources, and the university of special interest to students, staff, and faculty of the University of North Texas at Dallas.